Gold Coast has tapped Rick Ax, formerly an agent with the Gage Group, to head the new division as senior manager. The expansion into the talent management arena is a milestone for the Santa Monica-based production outfit, founded in 1992 by partners Matthew Papish, Jay Renfroe and David Garfinkle.

“This move is in recognition of the strategic importance talent management plays in project development,” said Papish.

Although mostly known for TV, Gold Coast has recently ventured into the feature pic production arena. The partners are exec producers of the short film “Waiting for Woody,” featuring George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Tate Donovan and Samantha Mathis. The comedy, now making the film festival rounds, was written and directed by Gold Coast client Heslov.

Gold Coast and Phoenician Films also produced the Slamdance fest winner “20 Dates,” which has been picked up by Fox Searchlight for distribution this fall.

Gold Coast’s TV production credits include the syndie series “Sports Bar” and “A.J.’s Time Travelers,” in addition to numerous specs and docus for cable’s USA Network and Sci-Fi Channel.